Times of the Islands Spring 2021

1 (649) 342-3180
North Caicos Island, TCI
BottleCreekLodge.com
BottleCreekLodge@gmail.com
pandemic. Bottle Creek Lodge opened again for the 2021
season, with the pandemic keeping rates at lower levels.
The challenges of hurricanes and a virus were joined
by those of meeting requirements for doing businesses
in the Turks & Caicos, compounded by the timing of trying
to open during a pandemic. The Browns credit many
people in both the US and TCI for help in hurdling those
hoops, including Karen Preikschat, “Poacher” Missick,
Tekarrah Williams, Gordon Kerr, Sarah Knight, Eve and
Ernie Quant and Janet and Ron Holmes. Preikschat has
even become their manager as they wait for permanent
resident certificates.
Recognising that Bottle Creek Lodge belongs as much
to the island as to them, the Browns decided to keep
the name instead of trying to come up with a new one.
Melanie notes, “[W]e decided that [the] history and identity
of Bottle Creek Lodge were too important. People
are always interested in the story of the evolution of this
property from humble abode to a thriving business on a
beautiful ocean creek. We see bits of everyone who lived
and worked there, and keeping those memories alive was
important to us. The name also invokes feelings of tranquility,
adventure and comfort. We hope every guest feels
all of these at some point during their visit with us.”
Open/closed/open
Rising Phoenix
When Seaside and Treehouse were ready for occupancy, Renovations at Bottle Creek Lodge will continue, and
the Browns set a soft opening of the lodge for February guest services will expand. Jim says they hope to begin
2020. A month later, it was closed due to the COVID-19 serving breakfast to guests in 2022, and they are working
on those approvals as
well as prepping Elizabeth’s
Suite. As this tourist phoenix
rises again, the Browns
say they want to involve as
much of North Caicos as they
can in the new Bottle Creek
Lodge. “Our intention is to
focus on creating a space that
is relaxing and friendly,” he
says. “We want to involve as
many Islander businesses as
possible for non-self-guided
activities that guests may
want. We want to be a hub .
. . give people a place to stay,
and then provide them access
to local folks who already provide
these services and can
Bottle Creek Lodge is now a thriving business on a beautiful ocean creek.
benefit from the business.” a
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